Longford target another big scalp against Cork

Experienced Longford forward Brian Kavanagh insists his team won’t freeze against Cork as they bid to produce another massive shock this weekend.

The Kilmacud Crokes clubman kicked three points as Longford knocked Monaghan out of the championship in last Saturday’s stunning qualifier win.

Now, they host the 2010 All-Ireland champions at Glennon Brothers Pearse Park tomorrow and are relishing the chance of another giant-killing exercise, but Kavanagh, the all-time third highest scorer in the qualifiers with 3-73, knows Cork pose a huge threat.

“We know we are going to be up against a very, very strong team. There will be lads who have All-Ireland medals in their pockets. They have a huge pick and are after getting the hurlers back as well. They had a good win over Limerick, without being extravagant, but they are going to be a tough opposition.

“They have lads like Daniel Goulding and Paddy Kelly who are only coming on as subs, and there are lads who are flying it with Cork. They were probably a little bit unlucky in the league, to get relegated, but they are still a formidable opposition,” he said.

Longford have been one of the standout teams in the qualifiers over the years and with wins over Down and Monaghan this year will be full of confidence. In 2015 Longford reached the third round of the qualifiers before Kildare beat them. The former All-Ireland Club winner says they will continue to play free-flowing football.

“We are a footballing team. It’s not in our DNA to be a defensive team. Lads there have played in U21 finals, they have played in Sigerson Cups and with their colleges. They are proven footballers as well. They are all stepping up to the plate this year which is great. Denis Connerton has given youth a chance and they have rewarded him.”